35 Inviting Entryway Lighting Ideas for a Welcoming Home

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Effective lighting is key to any well-designed home, yet the entryway—despite being a smaller, hardworking space—often gets overlooked for lighting improvements.

Since the entryway creates the very first impression of your home, ensuring it feels welcoming is crucial, and quality lighting plays a vital role in achieving this. Beyond aesthetics, good lighting also significantly boosts your entryway’s functionality.

If you’re ready to upgrade from basic builder-grade fixtures to something more inspiring, we’re here to help.

Discover 35 lighting ideas to beautifully brighten your entryway.

Use Vintage Fixtures

To give your home a more rooted sense of style, look for vintage light fixtures you can install in your entryway.

Popular design styles to look for include Art Deco and midcentury lighting fixtures.

Install Globe Lights

Glass globe lights provide the popular shape of flush or semi-flush mount ceiling lights, but with a much more vibrant and bright use of light.

Plus, they look just as good when they’re off as when they’re on.

Use Semi-Flush Mounted Lights

Semi-flush mounted lights are partly mounted to the ceiling, with the lighting fixture itself hanging a few inches below it.

These fixtures are perfect for entryways—they provide plenty of ambient downcast light, and they come in plenty of fun and elegant styles too.

Make It Sculptural

Lighting fixtures can serve as art in your home, and entryways are no exception.

Install a more sculptural lighting fixture to add something special to your entryway.

Add a Geometric Light Fixture

For a modern look in your entryway, use a geometric light fixture like the one in the space above by Katherine Carter Design.

Add a Table Lamp

To add a little bit of light and a little bit of decor, add a small and stylish table lamp to your entryway.

Add in a Wall-Mounted Sconce

entryway lighting with wall mounted sconce

For when you only need a little light, use a small wall-mounted sconce in your entryway.

These come in a number of styles to match whatever you may be looking for.

Let It Cascade

entryway with stairs and cascading lighting

Cascading entryway lights, like the one above in the space designed by Pure Salt Interiors, are a great way to take advantage of extra-tall ceilings and put all that extra space to good use.

Try Recessed Puck Lights

entryway lighting ideas recessed puck lights

To add subtle lighting fixtures, use small recessed puck lights in your entryway.

This works best in entryways with plenty of existing natural light, as the light that these fixtures provide can be overly bright.

Experiment With Candles

Use a tapered candle (either real or battery-powered) for an entryway lighting solution with serious ambiance.

This works really well for homes with a historic or more moody style.

Elevate the Room With a Chandelier

Pin Interior Impressions

Chandeliers are a classically elegant lighting choice, and there are tons of different options to choose from.

Whether you are a fan of traditional interiors, modern farmhouse style, bohemian-inspired decor, or anything in between, there is a chandelier out there for you.

Create a Symmetrical Look

Pin Fawn Furlow Photography for Victoria Meadows Interiors

Symmetry is a classic design principle that is pleasing to the eye and evokes feelings of harmony.

There are various different ways to achieve symmetry in your entryway, including using your light fixtures.

We love the way that Victoria Meadows Interiors styled this entryway table between interior doors with two matching table lamps for a symmetrical composition we can’t take our eyes off of.

Add Picture Lighting to the Mix

Pin Whittney Parkinson Design

If you are displaying artwork or family photos in your entryway, then picture lighting is a great option.

These wall-mounted bar lights help to illuminate wall decor below them, creating a focal point in the space while also providing a light source.

The best part is, these types of light fixtures can be purchased in hardwire and plug-in options.

Antique Elegance

stairwell with iron balustrades and hall table in entryway - Corridor by wooden staircase at home

The natural and earthy color scheme of this foyer is enhanced by the choice of vintage furniture and decor pieces that sit at the base of the spiral staircase.

Just above and front of the console table hangs a geometric light fixture in a striking gilded iron and glass panes style.

Contemporary Chandelier

Make a bold statement by installing a modern work of art in the center of the ceiling.

A multi-tiered candelabra in a combination of iron and wood is bound to draw eyes upward while simultaneously making jaws drop.

The all-white color scheme allows you to have fun with the rest of the entryway’s decor and include elements like a patterned rug and a stairwell gallery wall.

Patterned Table Lamps

entryway with bold coral wallpaper, table with green lamps, large framed mirror and baskets underneath for storage

A simple yet stunning cork console table houses a set of lamps which flank an entryway mirror and catch-all tray.

The leafy green lamp shades stand out against the bold, tropical patterned wallpaper.

For an extra source of light—especially on busy mornings or late nights—you can add an elegant overhead fixture that won’t detract from the rest of the room’s design.

Minimalist Entryway Lighting

sitting nook off entry with white walls; wooden seat; black, white and gray pillows and rug; Cushions on bench by window at home

Keep with a minimalistic theme in your entryway by including an understated light fixture.

If you have a well-organized coat closet to hide most of your clutter, install a small scale and semi flush mounted ceramic fixture above a simple floating bench and boot tray.

The blue and white stripes add a hint of color to the remaining black, gray, and white fabric patterns in the area rug and throw pillows.

Colorful Accent Wall

front entry table with yellow geometric wallpaper and round wall mirror flanked by wall sconces

A cheery yellow accent wall is a welcome sight when returning home.

Tack on a few entryway essentials—such as a stool for seating and drop zones for storage—before adding the finishing touches.

Hang a round gold mirror above the console and affix a pair of gold and cream shaded sconces to either side for a balanced look.

Sophisticated Entryway

Entryway with small table against wall and mirror and sconces above it.

Greet guests with an entryway console that’s as pretty as it is functional.

The natural materials of the storage baskets and tray along with the intricately embellished accent mirror are topped off by a pair of wall sconces.

The multi-arm tapered candle set can be adjusted so that the light hits just right.

Highlight Framed Art

Entryway with arched built in and chandelier.

A curved niche just off the front door is an ideal place to hang an impressive crystal chandelier.

The modern metal twist on it cools down the rosy colors in the entryway area rug, the fresh flower arrangements on top of the wood dresser, and the tall splash art print that hangs just below the light fixture.

Mediterranean-Inspired

Adorn a classic foyer with delicate Greek decor.

The neutral color scheme, arched doorway, and quintessential key pattern found etched into the console table lay the groundwork for a hanging gold and glass box candelabra that exudes old world charm.

Add Vintage Flair

Foyer with a vintage chest and lamp on top.

A distressed dresser provides unique storage in the entryway while also serving as surface space for lighting.

Here, an elegant teardrop table lamp sits on a crystal base, adding timeless elegance to the space.

The faint print peeking out from inside the shade brings a pop of pattern to the fixture.

Entryway Chandelier Idea

entryway, front door open, large rug, staircase banister front right, without small round table in center

As you walk through this Craftsman-style door and look up to the tongue and groove ceiling, you’re met with a decorative wrought iron chandelier.

The cream colored candelabra shades blend beautifully with painted walls and custom molding.

Follow the Lines

If you’re using recessed lighting in a ceiling that already has a strong linear presence, make sure to install the lights along that same line, rather than intersecting it or going against it.

Add Multiple Lights

entryway with a staircase and gallery wall

Who says you only need one entryway light?

Why not make it two? Or three? Multiple entryway lights give an extra bit of style to your space and they bring in extra light too.

Hang Woven Lights

entryway lighting ideas woven pendant lights

Woven pendant lights are one of the most popular lighting choices out there right now.

And for good reason—these down-to-earth fixtures give off light that falls somewhere in-between ambient and direct light, and they have plenty of texture too.

Add a Little Rustic Chic

To add a little rustic chic style to your entryway, hang a farmhouse-style lighting fixture.

Look for ones that feature exposed wood, twine, or mimic a barnyard lantern.

Make Sure Your Lighting Matches Your Home

entryway with arched walkway and black door

Make sure the style of your entryway light matches the style of the rest of your home too.

For example, follow Emily Henderson‘s lead in the space above and use a midcentury modern style lighting fixture alongside some similarly mid-century living room furniture and accessories.

Use Oversized Lighting

Oversized lighting is a great way to add strong structure and style to an entryway.

Just make sure it’s not so oversized that it overwhelms your space.

Install a Chandelier

entryway with lighting and table and chairs

Give your entryway plenty of elegance with a chandelier. Up its ‘wow’ factor by sourcing a vintage one too.

Use Existing Lighting

kitchen with wooden overhead beams and lightening

For back door entryways, there’s no need to go all out on lighting (though you certainly can).

Instead, ensure that the existing lighting in your kitchen or living room is placed close enough that it will be useful for entering and exiting too.

Pair a Mirror With Your Sconces

The mirror-sconce-entryway combo is a great one, but not just because it makes it easy to double-check your makeup before you leave.

The mirror also bounces the light from the nearby sconce around, brightening up your entryway.

Try a Sputnik-Inspired Chandelier

The classic Sputnik-inspired chandelier is the perfect retro addition to any entryway, especially when it’s paired with other geometric and modern elements.

Go for the Basics

entryway with lighting and a hook station

The classic (and affordable) flush-mounted ceiling light is a great lighting choice for back entryways or mudrooms, where you may value function over form.

Use Your Table and Floors

Who says entryway lighting needs to be only on the walls or ceiling?

Use floor or table lamps as an easy way to add in some DIY-free (and renter-friendly) lighting.

Feature a Geometric Pendant

Pin @kath_cooke / Instagram

Geometric pendant lights are a great addition to any entryway. Not only are they eye-catching, but they can throw light in super unique and interesting ways too.

We love how this star-shaped pendant light perfectly complements the stained glass door and vintage-inspired decor of this stylish entryway.

Choose a Sculptural Fixture

Pin Raquel Langworthy for Britt Design Studio

Add a piece of artwork to your entryway with a sculptural light fixture. It will instantly create a focal point in the space and is sure to be a conversation starter.

Be sure to add a couple of other strong design elements into the room (like wall art, a patterned rug, or colorful accessories) to balance out the space and encourage the eye to move.

Add a Touch of Glam

Pin Erin Fedderson

Add the finishing touch to your entryway with a light fixture that exudes sophisticated glamour like designer Erin Fedderson.

This overhead fixture features an opaque glass shade and gold base that elevate the space without going overboard, allowing the rest of the room’s decor to shine through.

Pair a Single Wall Sconce With a Table Lamp

Pin @dacasabypriscilla / Instagram

Wall sconces or table lamps? No one said you need to choose one.

This small entryway features both lighting options for a clever use of the limited space available. Plus, you can never go wrong by adding a mirror.

Opt for Recessed Lighting

Pin HearthandPetals

For a super modern and sophisticated look, try recessed lighting.

This formal entryway uses recessed lighting to illuminate the space, while sleek finishes and decor reflect the light for a super bright finished look.

Make It Coastal With Rattan

Pin Erin Williamson Design

Interior design is having a love affair with rattan right now, and we’re totally here for it.

Warm up a minimalist entryway with an oversized pendant light made from a natural material like rattan

Hang a Classic Globe Pendant

Erin Williamson Design

Classic globe pendant lighting can be a focal point or blend seamlessly into the background to allow features like a painted statement ceiling to shine in your entryway.

Try a lightweight paper pendant for a budget-friendly alternative.